Piece good combination with spirally mounted carrier element and method for production thereof

ABSTRACT

A method for packaging piece good batches is provided. A transport device transports a plurality of piece goods in particular in the form of a piece good flow in a specified transport direction, and a first wrapping device wraps a film element around the piece goods, the film element having a specified first width. The first wrapping device has a dispensing assembly which circulates around the piece goods, and the piece goods are supplied to the first wrapping device in order to be wrapped with the film element. The piece goods are wrapped with a strip-like element by means of a strip application device, the strip-like element having a smaller width than the film element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/EP2016/082877, having a filing date of Dec. 29, 2016, based on German Application No. 10 2016 106 987.6, having a filing date of Apr. 15, 2016, the entire contents both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The following relates to a method for packaging piece good combinations and a machine for packaging piece good combinations as well as a piece good combination. It has been known for a long time from the prior art that piece goods, for example containers, are bundled together into groups of containers, for example so-called six packs. Various procedures are known for this purpose. In a procedure known from the prior art these containers are packaged in a film and this film is then shrink-wrapped onto the containers, for example in a shrink tunnel.

BACKGROUND

More recently it has also become known for such groups of containers to be wrapped by means of a stretchable film (also referred to below as a stretch film). For this purpose, the containers are introduced into a wrapping device and are wrapped there by means of a stretchable film. In this case the stretchable film is usually unwound from rolls. In addition, it is also known in the prior art that a gripping element or a handle is usually attached at a later stage to such groupings which are already wrapped. For this purpose, the packs which are already cut and wrapped with film are spaced apart from one another in order to apply a handle in the running direction of the pack for example by means of front and rear gluing arms.

In this case the problem arises that it is often not simple to attach the handle centrally on the piece good combination. In addition, the spacing of the pack sections, usually by means of individual transporter sections, is complex, in particular if it should also take place in different speed steps.

SUMMARY

An aspect relates to simplifying the attachment in particular of handle elements.

Therefore the aspect is in particular to simplify the production of such piece good combinations, in particular with handles. In particular a possibility should be created which makes it possible to dispense with a spacing of adjacent groups of containers for attachment of the handle.

In a method according to embodiments of the invention for packaging piece good combinations a transport device transports a plurality of piece goods in particular as a stream of piece goods in a predetermined transport direction, and a first wrapping device wraps the piece goods with a film element. In this case this film element has a predetermined first width. Furthermore, this first wrapping device has a dispensing unit revolving around the piece goods, wherein the piece goods are delivered to the first wrapping device in order to be wrapped by the film element. The transport direction is preferably a rectilinear transport direction.

According to embodiments of the invention the piece goods are wrapped with a strip-like element by means of a strip application device, the strip-like element having a smaller width than the film element.

The dispensing unit preferably has a dispensing element, such as for instance a carrier for a film roll or a dispensing edge which dispenses the film element. The film element preferably has a thickness between 5 μm and 30 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 20 μm and particularly preferably between 8 μm and 12 μm. The strip-like material has a thickness between 20 μm and 100 μm. The strip-like element preferably has a greater thickness than the film element. The film element is preferably made of a plastic material and in particular a transparent plastic material. The strip-like element is preferably made from a material which is selected from a group of materials including plastics, fibre materials and paper materials.

In this case a width of the film element or of the strip-like element is understood to be a dimension in one direction which extends in particular perpendicular to a main extension direction of this strip or of the film. This main extension direction is understood to be the direction from which for example the film element is pulled off from a film roll or also the strip-like element is pulled off from a strip roll. Thus, this is the direction along which the film element or the strip-like element substantially extends.

Thus, the present application describes that a piece good combination wrapped with a film element is wrapped with the strip-like element. Therefore, it is pointed out that this procedure is also applicable to other pack types and in particular to shrink-wrapped packs. In this way for instance shrink-wrapped packs could be wrapped in particular uninterruptedly with the strip-like element, in particular with a handle wrapped.

In a further method according to embodiments of the invention for packaging piece good combinations a transport device transports a plurality of piece goods in particular as a stream of piece goods in a predetermined transport direction, and a film application device applies a film element to this piece good combination. By means of a shrink-wrapping device this film element is shrunk on, at least section by section, onto the piece good combination. The transport direction is preferably a rectilinear transport direction.

According to embodiments of the invention, the piece goods—in particular with the film element shrunk onto it—are wrapped with a strip-like element by means of a strip application device.

This strip-like element preferably has a lesser thickness than the film element. The film element is preferably shrunk on by an effect of heat on the piece good combination. For this purpose, the piece good combination can be transported with the film element arranged thereon through a shrink tunnel. Furthermore, a further conveyor device, such as in particular an accumulating conveyor, could be arranged after such a shrink tunnel, so that the shrink-wrapped pack can be wrapped uninterruptedly with the strip-like element, in particular a handle.

The containers are advantageously pushed onto a fixed or stationary carrier and is wrapped by the film element on this carrier. In addition, the containers are also advantageously transported between two lateral guiding elements and, during wrapping, these lateral guiding elements are also wrapped. These lateral guiding elements are advantageously rod-like members, which extend for example in the transport direction on the right side and on the left side of the stream of containers.

It is also possible that during the wrapping with the strip-like element the containers are pushed onto a fixed or stationary carrier. However, it would also be possible to dispense with pushing the piece good combination onto a fixed carrier during the wrapping with the strip-like carrier. Since, on the one hand, the strip-like carrier has a substantially lesser width than the film element (and, on the other hand, the piece goods are already wrapped with the film element and therefore already have a higher stability) it would be possible for the piece good combination, already wrapped with the film element, to be pushed away over a gap and to wrap the strip-like element inside this gap. In this case the piece good combination would not have to be pulled down from such a carrier.

Furthermore, it would also be possible to provide lateral guiding elements during the wrapping of the piece goods with the strip-like material. In addition, it would also be possible here to dispense with the lateral guiding elements during the wrapping with the strip-like material, since, as stated, the strip-like material has a lesser width than the film element. The width direction of the film element and/or of the strip-like element preferably extends in the transport direction of the piece goods. The wrapping preferably takes place in a circumferential direction with respect to this transport direction.

The piece goods are preferably wrapped directly by the strip-like element without further (in particular stationary) elements such as lateral guiding elements or carrier plates also being wrapped.

In this case the wrapping strip can also surround the fixed carrier and the lateral guide. However, it would also be conceivable that the strip is merely wrapped around the fixed carrier and the containers already wrapped with a film element.

Furthermore, the strip-like element can be constructed both resiliently and rigidly in its longitudinal direction.

In this case this strip-like element can fulfil several purposes. Thus, for example, the strip-like element could be a wrapping strip for advertising purposes. In addition, the strip-like element could also be formed as a handle or could also serve both as a handle and for advertising purposes.

If the strip-like element serves as a gripping element, it can be advantageous (so that the strip can be “gripped” in the handle region) if it does not rest too tightly on the piece good combination and or the film element. In particular in conjunction with gluing before and/or after the handle region a “loose” handle could be provided by a brief driven unwinding of the gripping strip with a higher unwinding speed than the normal pulling. The possibly necessary pressing of the gripping strip after the loose region can preferably take place by a local pressing device before the further unwinding takes place sectionally again with strip tension.

If the strip-like element is used for advertising purposes it could be advantageous, in particular with a very oblique and/or almost horizontal attachment (“infinite” gradient, i.e. is then no longer wound but only pulled off), in addition to a synchronisation of the attachment with the final pack length, also to apply an alternating mirrored imprint/lettering to be applied (avoiding “inversion”). In this way a uniform legibility for instance of an imprint is made possible.

In addition, it would also be possible to apply and/or to introduce the strip-like element with a “gradient of 0”, that is to say in particular parallel to the transport direction. This could take place for example by continuous pulling off (wherein in the handle region a driven unwinding possibly takes place for more “air”). In this case this pulling off can take place from one or more rolls.

In this case an application to an outer or inner wrapping layer is also conceivable, possibly also first directly onto piece goods. In addition, a location-related controlled build-up for “air handles” can also take place, but also a subsequent pack spacing and thus also additionally a “front” adhesion/fastening are made possible. In addition, the film packaging can also be cut to length by cutting to length and, if necessary, the film packaging can be cut free in the handle region.

Therefore, it is advantageously proposed that the container combination or the containers are wrapped in particular spirally by the strip-like element. In this way it is possible that the strip-like element, which can later serve for example in part as a handle, is attached during uninterrupted pack transport. In this case for application of the strip-like elements similar devices can be used, as also in the case of application of the film element. The strip-like material is advantageously unrolled from a strip roll.

It would also be possible that the strip-like element is first applied to the containers and only then a film element is applied. Furthermore, the strip-like element can also be printed or can have markings, such as for instance a barcode or the like. Advantageously the strip-like element is continuously attached to the stream of containers.

Advantageously the film element and/or the strip-like element are applied to the containers circumferentially with respect to the transport direction of the containers. The film element is advantageously applied under tension to the containers. In this case—as mentioned above—it is possible that first the film element and then the strip-like element are applied.

In addition, it would also be possible that the film element and the strip-like element are applied substantially simultaneously, for example, in that a wrapping device has both a revolving roller for the film element and a revolving roller for the strip-like element. It would also be possible that the strip-like element is already integrated into the film. In addition, it would also be possible that first a film element and the strip-like element are already combined in the wrapping device and subsequently in this combined state are wound around the containers. In this case it is possible that the wrapping device also functions simultaneously as a strip application device.

Advantageously the film element and the strip element themselves are conveyed in a specific longitudinal direction and extend in this longitudinal direction. The width is—as mentioned above—in particular defined perpendicular to this longitudinal direction. Advantageously the width of the strip-like element is less than half of the width of the film element, preferably less than ⅓ of the width of the film element, preferably less than ¼ of the width of the film element, preferably less than ⅕ of the film element and particularly preferably less than 1/10 of the width of the film element.

In contrast to the prior art, in which a handle is applied in the running direction of the pack by means of front and rear adhesive frames, it is now proposed that the strip-like element and in particular a handle element is applied during the uninterrupted pack transport, for which purpose small individual separate transporter sections for producing gaps can be omitted. Thus, the strip-like element is preferably applied spirally to the pack contour, in order as a result to simplify gripping of the pack.

In terms of the machine this can be achieved by an integrated handle winding module or a handle application means. Therefore, the above-mentioned strip-like material is preferably suitable for use as a carrying element for the piece good combination. The handle can be provided for example in the region of a film wrapping station. Furthermore, the strip-like element can preferably be a handle material which is variable in width and preferably also has a label, in particular a pre-assembled handle material. In this case product information and barcodes can also be applied to the strip-like carrier and this can be introduced or applied to the complete pack.

In a further advantageous method, the strip-like element is applied in the form of a spiral wrapping to the piece goods. In this case a winding spacing between the individual turns of the strip-like element can be different. Thus, for example it is possible to choose the inclination or gradient of the individual turns.

In a further advantageous method adjacent turns of this spiral wrapping of the strip-like element do not touch one another.

In a further advantageous method adjacent turns of the spiral first film element applied to the piece goods overlap. In this way a complete coverage of the containers can advantageously be achieved in this circumferential direction with the film element. Therefore, adjacent turns of the spiral first film element applied to the piece goods advantageously overlap.

In a further preferred method both the first film element and the strip-like element are severed by means of at least one separating device arranged in the transport direction after the first wrapping device and the strip application device. This separating element preferably moves at least intermittently with the containers or the piece goods in the transport direction. In this case a movement of the separating element in the transport direction can be synchronised with a movement of the containers in the transport direction. Advantageously the separating element separates the film element by means of a movement which extends perpendicular to the transport direction of the containers.

In a further advantageous method, by means of a second wrapping device a second film element is applied to piece goods, wherein this second wrapping device has a dispensing unit revolving around the piece goods (preferably with a dispensing element), and wherein the piece goods are delivered to the second wrapping device in order to be wrapped by the second film element. Thus, the piece goods are advantageously wrapped with two different film elements. Advantageously the films from the two wrapping devices are wrapped in opposite directions, for example from the first wrapping device in a clockwise direction with respect to the transport direction and from the second wrapping device in an anti-clockwise direction. In this case it is possible that the application element is arranged after the first wrapping device or also after the second wrapping device. Thus, it would be possible that the strip-like element is applied between the two film elements, but it would also be conceivable that the strip-like element is only applied after the attachment of the second film element.

In this case it is possible that also the application device has a dispensing unit revolving with respect to the transport direction of the containers. The application device can also have a roll support, on which for example rolls with the strip-like material can be arranged. Furthermore, it would also be possible that the dispensing unit for the strip-like material is also integrated into a wrapping device. Thus, for example two dispensing units offset by 180° could revolve around the containers, wherein preferably one of these two dispensing units supports a roller with the film element and the other one of these dispensing units supports a roller with the strip-like material. In this way the application of the strip-like material or of the strip-like element could also be achieved with a wrapping device.

In addition, it would also be conceivable that the strip-like material is applied in an opposite direction or in opposite directions to the first film element.

Thus, here again an integrated handle-winding module is proposed, or an integrated handle application which is carried out in particular in the region of a film wrapping station. In this case the winding of the strip-like material or the handle winding can take place by the same principle with which the film-like material is also applied. As mentioned, in this case it is possible that the strip-like material between or outside a stretch film packaging. Thus, advantageously the strip-like material or the handle application is also carried out continuously and the cutting can take place for example by means of a cutting bar of the already present stretch film packer. Alternatively, it would also be possible to dispose the strip-like material or to arrange it piece by piece for example by means of a cutting device in the strip application unit. Thus, in each case the strip application unit could apply the strip-like material only in sections to the piece good combinations or also between the film-like elements.

Furthermore, it would also be possible to introduce the strip-like element on a support film and in particular a continuous support film. This can take place with appropriate pre-spacing and/or synchronised with the pack flow or the transport of the piece good combinations.

In a further preferred method, the strip-like material is arranged in such a way on the piece goods that it can be used as a grip element for carrying the piece good combination. Thus, for example it is possible that the strip-like material extends obliquely over an upper surface of the containers or of the piece good combination, so that it can be gripped here by a user and thus the piece good combination can be carried. In this case it would also be possible that the strip-like element is adhered locally to the piece good combination or a film element or is located between a first and a second film element.

Advantageously the application of the application element or of the strip-like element is also synchronised with an advance or a movement of the piece good combination in the transport direction. In addition, the application of the film element is preferably also synchronised with an advance or a movement of the piece good combination in the transport direction. As mentioned, the strip-like material can be a pre-assembled material, on which for example a label print can also be arranged.

In a further advantageous method, the strip-like element is arranged with a uniform orientation and/or a uniform gradient angle on the piece goods. In particular if the strip-like element is to be used as a handle, the uniform arrangement thereof on the pack ultimately produced (which is produced in particular after the cutting device) is significant. In this case it is advantageous if the strip-like element extends substantially centrally over the upper face of the pack, since as a result the carrying comfort can be increased.

If the strip-like element serves for advertising purposes, the degrees of freedom in the attachment thereof to the piece good combination are somewhat higher. Thus, the strip-like element here could also extend centrally on one of the lateral surfaces of the piece good combination.

In order to achieve such a uniform orientation, a gradient (in particular defined perpendicularly to a direction of the strip-like element) and/or a positioning in relation to the pack being produced can preferably be adjustable. This can be achieved for instance by corresponding adaptations of the winding speed and/or the transport speed of the piece good combinations.

Also, the location of a start of winding for the strip-like element is preferably selected as a function of the final pack unit or the final piece good combination. Thus, for example the length of the piece good combination to be produced is known. Furthermore, if the average speed at which the piece good combination is transported is known, the strip application device can be adjusted in such a way that the strip-like element in each case begins at the same circumferential position with the wrapping of a specific piece good combination (which is later to be separated off).

Therefore, a wrapping speed with which the strip-like element is wound around the piece goods is preferably controlled as a function of a transport speed of the piece goods and/or as a function of a size of the piece good combination to be achieved.

In other words, the wrapping speed of the strip-like element is preferably in a fixed relationship with the transport speed and/or the pack length to be achieved (the length in the transport direction). In this case such a firm relationship or such synchronicity can be achieved by means of an electronic coupling of the respective drives and/or a cam control and/or a cam-controlled automatic machine.

In a further advantageous method, the piece goods are in particular wrapped by means of a strip application device with a second strip-like element which preferably has a smaller width than the film element. In this embodiment the piece goods are wrapped with two different strip-like elements.

In this case the wrapping with the first strip-like element and the wrapping with the second strip-like element preferably takes place in different (i.e. in particular opposite) revolving directions.

In other words, it can be advantageous to apply a second strip crossed with the first strip by a second strip winding unit in opposite directions. In this way uniform effective advertising on both sides can be achieved. In addition, it would also be possible to create a crossed carry handle, advantageously adhered 4 times to a winding film. This results in a “straight” grip, a better distribution of force and compensation for shear/transverse forces at the adhesion point, which is advantageous in particular in the case of large, heavy packs or also in the case of thin stretch films. In this case again this attachment of the second strip-like element can be coupled with the transport speed and/or synchronised in the manner described above.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention is directed to a device for packaging piece good combinations which has a transport device which transports a plurality of piece goods in a predetermined transport direction, and wherein a first wrapping device wraps the piece goods with a first film element, wherein this first film element has a first predetermined width and wherein this first wrapping device has a dispensing element revolving around the piece goods, wherein the piece goods can be delivered to the first wrapping device in order to be wrapped by the first film element.

According to embodiments of the invention the device has a strip application device which wraps the piece goods with a strip-like element which has a smaller width than the film element.

Therefore, it is also proposed with regard to the machine that in addition to the wrapping device an application device is also provided which applies the strip-like material to the film and/or to the piece good combination.

With regard to the machine it would also be possible to apply the strip-like element to combinations other than wrapped packs, in particular shrink-wrapped packs. The applicant reserves the right also to claim protection for such embodiments.

Furthermore, therefore, embodiments of the present invention is directed to a device for packaging piece good combinations which has a transport device which transports a plurality of piece goods in a predetermined transport direction, and film application device which is suitable and intended to apply a first film element to the piece goods, wherein this first film element preferably has a first predetermined width and wherein the piece goods can be delivered to the first film application device in order to be provided with the first film element.

According to embodiments of the invention the machine has a strip application device which wraps the piece goods with a strip-like element which preferably has a smaller width than the film element.

The machine preferably has a shrink-wrapping device, which applies the film element, in particular by a heat treatment, to the piece good combinations. This can be in particular a shrink tunnel through which the piece goods are transported.

Advantageously the strip application device is suitable and intended to wrap the strip-like element spirally on the piece good combination and in particular spirally with respect to the transport direction of the piece good combination. Advantageously the strip-like elements have a higher tensile strength than the tensile strength of the film element. Advantageously the strip-like element is also less stretchable along its longitudinal direction than the film element.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the machine has a second wrapping device which is arranged after the first wrapping device in the transport direction of the piece goods and which is suitable and intended to wrap the piece goods with a second film element. Thus, in this embodiment the piece goods as a whole are wrapped by two film elements as well as the strip-like element. The strip-like element is advantageously made from a plastic.

The piece goods to be wrapped are preferably selected from a group of piece goods which contains plastic bottles, glass bottles, cans, pouches and the like.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the strip application device is arranged after the wrapping device or between the first and the second wrapping device in the transport direction of the piece goods. In this embodiment either the strip-like element is attached outside the second film element or combination between two film elements.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention relate to a piece good combination and in particular a container combination with a plurality of piece goods wrapped by means of a first film element and with a strip-like carrying element arranged on the film element for carrying the piece good combination. According to embodiments of the invention, the strip-like element is wound spirally around the piece good combination. In this case, however, it is not necessary that the strip-like element is completely looped or wound around the piece good combination, but an already partial wrapping is also sufficient.

In an advantageous embodiment the strip-like element has a lesser width than the film element. Advantageously the strip-like element is arranged on the piece good combination in such a way that it can also be used as a grip element for carrying and/or holding the piece good combination.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the strip-like element has sections provided with an adhesive. With these sections the strip-like element can be adhered to the piece good combination or the first film element. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the rotational speed of the application element and the transport device which transports the piece goods are adapted to one another in such a way that the strip-like material in each case is adhered at specific positions on the film element, for instance in the region of a side wall of the piece good combination. In this way an improved hold can be achieved if the strip-like material is to be used as a grip or handle. Sections of the strip-like element are preferably also free of adhesive or are not coated with an adhesive. These may be the regions which should be gripped by a hand later.

In an advantageous embodiment the strip-like element has a lesser width than the first film element, as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with references to the following Figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a machine for producing piece good combinations;

FIG. 2a shows a representation of a method according to the prior art;

FIG. 2b shows a container pack produced by the method of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3a shows a representation of a method; and

FIG. 3b shows a representation of a piece good combination produced by the method of FIG. 3 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a machine 50 according to embodiments of the invention for producing piece good combinations or piece good packs and in particular container packs. In this case the reference numeral 2 designates a transport device which transports containers 10 here from left to right along a rectilinear transport path T. In this case this transport device has overall a plurality of transport units, such as in particular a supply conveyor belt 28 as well as three feed modules 22, 24 und 26. These feed modules 22, 24 und 26 in each case serve to pull a wrapped pack out of respective preceding wrapping devices 4, 8 and 6 to extract and/or to deliver it to following wrapping devices.

The reference numeral 4 designates a first wrapping device 4. In this case this wrapping device 4 has a carrier plate 32 onto which the containers 10 are pushed. In addition, lateral guiding elements 34 are provided which laterally delimit the stream of containers. Both the carrier plate 32 and the lateral guiding elements 34 are wrapped by a film element 12 which originates or has been unwound from a film roll 14. The reference sign B relates to a width of the film element 12. The reference numeral 30 identifies in its entirety a dispensing unit which revolves with respect to the containers and perpendicular to the drawing plane.

A transport unit 22 in the form of a feed module adjoins the first wrapping device 4. This conveys the containers, which are now already wrapped with the first film element, to a second wrapping device 8. This likewise again has a (stationary) carrier plate 32 as well as lateral guiding elements 34. In this second wrapping device the containers are wrapped with a second film element 18, which in this case originates from a film roll 15. This film roll also revolves around the containers, albeit preferably in a reverse direction from the film roll 14 in the first wrapping device.

The reference numeral 24 designates a further transport unit in the form of a feed module, which transports the containers, now already wrapped twice, to the strip application device 6. This also again has an (albeit shorter) carrier plate 32 as well as lateral guiding elements. The reference numeral 17 designates a strip roll, from which the strip-like element 16 is unrolled and is wound around the containers. By means of a further transport unit 26, such as a feed module, the containers are pulled out of the strip application device.

In contrast to the illustration in the drawing, the carrier plate could also be dispensed with during the wrapping with the strip-like element and the piece good combination could be pushed away over the resulting gap. The strip-like element could then be wrapped specifically in this gap. For this purpose, the transport or supporting device following the wrapping with the strip-like element could have rounded surfaces or oblique surfaces which simplify bridging of the gap. Lateral guiding devices could also be dispensed with during the wrapping with the strip-like element.

Thus, here the possibility of attaching a strip-like element 16 with an in particular uninterrupted pack transport is illustrated. Therefore, in this case for attachment of a handle no more gaps are produced between the packs. Thus here, particularly preferably, the strip-like element 16 is applied spirally to the pack, in order thus to achieve the gripping of the pack ultimately produced. The feed module 26 adjoins a separating device 40, which splits the continuous stream of containers into individual piece good combinations. In this case this separating device 40 can move together with the containers, wherein preferably a movement of this separating element is synchronised with the movement of the containers.

The reference sign B1 designates a width of the strip-like element 16. It will be recognised that this width B1 is considerably smaller than the width B of the or the film elements. Therefore, the strip-like element is preferably wound around the piece goods in such a way that adjacent turns of this winding do not touch or overlap.

FIG. 2a shows a representation of the attachment of handle elements according to the prior art. It will be recognised that here the piece good combinations 110 are delivered and first a distance is produced between them, in order thus to attach the handle element 116, for example by means of a rear and a front adhesive frame. In this way—as shown in FIG. 2b —a pack 110 is produced with a handle 116 arranged thereon.

FIG. 3a illustrates the procedure according to embodiments of the invention. Here too, the piece good combinations 1 are again delivered, but the spiral strip-like material 16 is attached by the strip application device 6 (cf. FIG. 1). Thus, the piece good combination illustrated in FIG. 3b is produced, which likewise with the strip-like element 16 has a handle, but this is arranged here slightly inclined relative to the piece good combination. In this case this “inclination” or gradient of the length of the piece good combination to be produced and/or the number of windings required per piece good combination to be produced is preferably determined. In this case this gradient can be adjusted from “almost vertical”, that is to say an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the transport direction to “very inclined”, that is to say for instance an angle of 10° relative to the transport direction. The latter can be relevant in particular for advertising imprints with almost horizontal lettering.

Due to the procedure according to embodiments of the invention it would also be conceivable in particular to produce a plurality of handles on longer piece good combinations, for instance by winding the strip-like element a number of times around such longer piece good combinations.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in greater detail with reference to the preferred exemplary embodiment, the invention is not limited to the examples disclosed, and further variations can be inferred by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and “comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 machine

2 transport device

4, 8 wrapping device for wrapping with film element

6 strip application device for wrapping with strip-like element

10 container

12, 18 film element

14, 15 film roll for film element

16 strip-like element

17 strip roll for strip-like element

22, 24, 26 feed module, transport unit

28 delivery transport belt

30 dispensing unit

32 carrier plate

34 lateral guiding element

40 separating device

50 machine 

1. A method for packaging a piece good combination, wherein a transport device transports a plurality of piece goods in a predetermined transport direction, and wherein a first wrapping device wraps the piece goods with a first film element, wherein the first film element has a predetermined first width, and wherein the first wrapping device has a dispensing unit revolving around the piece goods, and wherein the piece goods are delivered to the first wrapping device in order to be wrapped by the first film element, wherein the piece goods are wrapped with a strip-like element by means of a strip application device, the strip-like element having a smaller width than the first film element, wherein the strip-like element is applied in the form of a spiral wrapping to the piece goods.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein adjacent windings of the spiral wrapping do not touch.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein adjacent turns of the first film element applied spirally to the piece goods overlap.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein both the first film element and also the strip-like element are severed by means of a separating device arranged in the transport direction after the first wrapping device and the strip application device.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein by means of a second wrapping device a second film element is applied to the piece goods, wherein this second wrapping device has a dispensing unit revolving around the piece goods, and wherein the piece goods are delivered to the second wrapping device in order to be wrapped by the second film element.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the strip-like element is arranged on the piece goods in such a way that it can be used as a gripping element for carrying the piece good combination.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the strip-like element has at least one of a uniform orientation and a uniform gradient angle.
 8. A machine for packaging a piece good combination comprising a transport device which transports a plurality of piece goods in a predetermined transport direction, a first wrapping device which is suitable and intended for wrapping the piece goods with a first film element, wherein the first film element has a first predetermined width, and wherein the first wrapping device has a dispensing unit revolving around the piece goods, wherein the piece goods can be delivered to the first wrapping device in order be wrapped by the first film element, and a strip application device which wraps the piece goods with a strip-like element, the strip-like element having a smaller width than the first film element, wherein the strip-like element is applied in the form of a spiral wrapping to the piece goods.
 9. The machine according to claim 8, further comprising a second wrapping device which is arranged after the first wrapping device in the transport direction of the piece goods and which is suitable and intended to wrap the piece goods with a second film element.
 10. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the strip application device is arranged after the second wrapping device or between the first wrapping device and the second wrapping device in the transport direction of the piece goods.
 11. A piece good combination comprising a plurality of piece goods wrapped by means of a first film element and with a strip-like carrying element arranged on the first film element for carrying the piece good combination, wherein the strip-like carrying element is wound spirally around the piece good combination.
 12. The piece good combination according to claim 11, wherein the strip-like element has a smaller width than the first film element. 